This unique and rarely seen helmet was made by Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1930s. The companies initial goal was to make equipment that would allow for the dive of shipwrecks at extreme depths. When World War 2 start, the company would receive large government contracts to produce most notably the US Navy Mark V helmet. In 1945 as the war was coming to an end, Jack Browne set a world record of a depth of 550 feet of water. The company would go on to design and manufacture numerous specialized diving helmets for both military and commercial applications. DESCO is still in business today.

This incredibly rare helmet was likely made during the 1940s or 1950s. Serial # records from these helmets are virtually non-existent, unfortunately. The helmet has a spun copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. The helmet features the original DESCO ID plate on the back. The helmet does have a serial # on the inside of the bonnet, 154. The neck ring does not have a #. It has been reported from original employees that serial #s for these helmets were used in a random fashion, not at all aiding in help date a specific helmet in the 21st Century.

The standard Browne Utility helmet utilized traditional compressed air. This specific helmet was undoubtedly custom ordered with a rear canister that contained a carbon dioxide absorbent. These canisters were standard on the DESCO Buie helmet but not even shown as an option on the Browne Utility in the 1948 DESCO catalog. Regardless, the result is a very impressive helmet both visually and historically!

The helmet is in wonderful original condition. The copper body retains much of its original tinning, which would help prevent saltwater corrosion. It was standard for this model to have a heavy tinning applied to the copper body. There are signs areas where the tinning has worn off from use, only adding to the helmets allure in our opinion. The helmet is complete with what appears to be the original high-grade plastic window. All the brass window frame bolts are present as well as a BTE exhaust valve, communications cup, neck ring, communications & air fittings and the rare Co2 canister. Overall the helmet condition is exactly the way one would expect to find a carefully used piece of high-end diving equipment from this time period.

There are many factors that contribute to a helmets value and desirability. While historical importance is a factor, we have found a helmets overall visual appeal and rarity are the biggest driving factors in value. This helmet is without a doubt quite rare. The helmet also has a look, especially with the special canister on back, of something that could have been used by astronauts. Suffice to say, this among is very impressive, very rare and will no doubt appreciate in value.

All helmets sold & auctioned by Nation’s Attic Inc. will come with a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long term assurance of the helmets authenticity is un-matched in the industry and very important to us.

Helmet will be shipped via FedEx. Worldwide shipping available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.